At Widerman Malek, our estate planning and probate attorneys help clients identify their unique estate planning needs and legal concerns. Through thoughtful analysis, we assist in crafting a plan that not only meets our client’s individual requirements but also caters to the well-being of their loved ones.
We know that planning your estate is one of the most important and compassionate steps you can take to make sure your final financial and health care wishes are honored in the event of your incapacity or death. A comprehensive estate plan can appropriately provide for you and your family, as well as resolve a number of legal questions that often arise before and after a person passes away.
Our Estate Planning & Probate Law Services
An estate plan often includes multiple components with complex details, and it is essential to have an attorney who helps you ensure the details are prepared correctly. When developing your plan, the following elements should be considered:
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- Last Will & Testament: Our team assists in drafting a comprehensive will that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and navigates legal complexities such as appointing guardianship for minors or setting up trusts.
- Revocable Living Trust: We can help establish a living trust, transferring assets into the trust, and providing guidance on how to manage it. WM will confirm the trust document complies with state laws and offer advice on how to modify or dissolve the trust if needed.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Our lawyers draft durable power of attorney documents that specify the extent of authority granted to the appointed agent and compliance with Florida state laws to avoid potential challenges.
- Health Care Surrogate: Our estate planning lawyers prepare health care surrogate documents that clearly outline the surrogate’s authority and responsibilities in making medical decisions on behalf of the principal and compliance with Florida state regulations.
- Living Will: We can assist in helping individuals draft a living will that reflects their medical treatment preferences and end-of-life care instructions while making sure it complies with Florida state laws to be legally binding.
- Pre-Need Guardian: Our legal team can work with you to establish a pre-need guardian designation, ensuring it is legally enforceable and providing clear instructions for the appointed guardian in case of future incapacitation.
- Probate: Our estate planning and probate attorneys guide the executor or personal representative through the probate process, including filing the will with the court, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries while adhering to legal requirements and addressing any challenges that may arise.
- Testamentary Trusts: Our lawyers assist in drafting testamentary trusts within a will, ensuring they meet the specific needs of the individual and comply with legal requirements. We provide guidance on selecting trustees and beneficiaries and help manage the trust’s administration after the individual’s death.
For answers to frequently asked questions, please view our Estate Planning and Probate FAQ page for more information. For quick but informative videos that further explain the details of Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, and other related topics, please visit our Video FAQ page and click applicable tab for your topic of interest.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation with an Experienced Estate Planning & Probate Law Attorney
Widerman Malek is dedicated to understanding your unique circumstances and concerns, and working with you to create an estate plan that works best for you and your family. For a free consultation to discuss your estate planning needs, please call us at 321-341-5257 or complete the contact form to schedule your appointment with one of our estate planning attorneys located in Melbourne or Celebration, Florida. Understanding that life changes may happen suddenly or quickly, our team is dedicated to helping you set a comprehensive plan in place.
